Handfasting Cord Colours and Their Meanings

Choosing the colours for your handfasting cord is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning a handfasting. Some couples simply pick shades that match their bridesmaid dresses or flowers. Others like the idea that every strand carries a meaning – a wish for the marriage, woven right into the cord that binds their hands. There is no right or wrong approach, and the best cords often do a little of both.

In this guide we look at the meanings traditionally associated with the most popular handfasting cord colours, how to combine them, and how to balance symbolism with your wedding style.

Where do handfasting colour meanings come from?

It is worth saying up front that there is no single, ancient “rulebook” of handfasting colours. The associations used today draw on many sources: folk customs, flower symbolism, the colours linked to the seasons and elements in modern pagan practice, and the everyday emotional meanings we give to colour. That is good news – it means you are free to interpret colours in a way that feels true to you. Use the list below as inspiration rather than a set of rules.

Common handfasting cord colours and what they symbolise

Red

Red is the colour most often linked with love, passion, courage and vitality. It is a natural choice for couples who want their cord to say “this is a love story”. Deep cherry reds feel romantic and rich; brighter post-box reds are bold and joyful. Our Rose handfasting cord pairs cherry red with fuchsia and antique pink for a romantic look.

Pink

Pink is associated with romance, tenderness, kindness and happiness. Soft powder pinks feel gentle and nostalgic, while dusky and hot pinks add warmth and playfulness. Pink works beautifully alongside caramel, cream and gold, as in the Pink Sands cord.

Orange and peach

Orange is often linked to warmth, encouragement, creativity and kindness, and it brings an autumnal glow to a colour scheme. Softer apricot and peach shades feel fresh and summery and pair well with sage green.

Yellow and gold

Yellow is the colour of sunshine, joy and optimism. Gold carries meanings of prosperity, abundance, wisdom and lasting value – a lovely wish for a long marriage. Antique gold is especially popular because it sits comfortably with almost any palette. The Honey cord uses antique gold, burnt orange and oatmeal for a warm, golden feel.

Green

Green represents growth, fertility, renewal, health and harmony with nature. Bottle green feels classic and grounded, sage is calm and modern, and khaki and olive tones bring an earthy, woodland mood. Green is a favourite for outdoor and rustic weddings – see The Forest and Eucalyptus.

Blue

Blue is linked to loyalty, trust, honesty, calm and devotion. Navy and midnight blue symbolise stability and dependability, while lighter cornflower blues feel peaceful and open. Blue also nods to the sea and the sky, which is why it appears in nautical designs like The Anchor and in the night-sky tones of Celestial.

Purple, lilac and lavender

Purple has long been associated with dignity, spirituality, wisdom and devotion. Lilac and lavender shades add serenity and gentleness. In Scotland, purple also calls to mind the thistle and the heather-covered hills, so it is a meaningful choice for couples with Scottish connections – see The Thistle and Lavender.

White, ivory and cream

White traditionally represents purity, peace, truth and new beginnings. Ivory and cream feel softer and more vintage, and they are useful “breathing space” colours that make stronger shades stand out in the weave.

Silver and grey

Silver is often associated with clarity, inspiration and the moon, while grey suggests balance and calm. A silver strand adds a subtle shimmer and pairs especially well with navy, purple and blush.

Brown and neutral tones

Brown symbolises stability, home, the earth and grounding. Chocolate, khaki, sand and oatmeal shades create a natural, understated cord that suits boho and woodland weddings.

Black

Black is sometimes avoided at weddings, but in handfasting it can represent strength, protection and wisdom. Used as one strand among brighter colours, it adds striking contrast and a modern edge.

How to combine colours in one handfasting cord

Most handfasting cords look best with three colours, which creates contrast and balance as the strands spiral together. One or two colours can work too, giving a bold, intense block of colour. Here are a few simple approaches:

• One colour each, plus one shared colour. Each partner chooses a colour that represents them, and a third colour represents the marriage you are building together.
• Three wishes. Choose three meanings you want for your life together – for example, blue for loyalty, green for growth and gold for prosperity.
• Light, medium, dark. For a weave that photographs well, combine one light, one medium and one dark shade of colours that sit happily together.
• Heritage colours. Draw on a flag, tartan or national flower, like the red, white and blue of our Unity cord.
• Your wedding palette. Simply match your flowers, stationery or outfits, then look up what those colours mean – you may be pleasantly surprised.

Matching your wedding colour scheme versus choosing for meaning

Your handfasting cord does not have to match your wedding colours. Because it will be photographed up close and kept for years, some couples deliberately choose colours with personal meaning instead: a favourite colour, a football team, a family tartan or the colour of the place where they met. If you do want it to match, bring a fabric swatch, flower photo or invitation to hand when choosing ribbon shades, as colours can look different on screen.

If you are using more than one cord, you could also mix approaches: one cord that matches your wedding palette and another that is purely symbolic. For tips on cord numbers and sizes, read our guide on how to choose a handfasting cord.

Explaining your colours during the ceremony

One of the loveliest touches is to have your celebrant explain why you chose each colour as the cords are wrapped. It turns a beautiful object into a personal story your guests will remember. A simple line such as “This blue strand represents the loyalty you have shown one another…” is enough. You will find more ideas in our article on handfasting ceremony wording.

Designing your own colour combination

If none of our curated designs is quite right, our custom order handfasting cord lets you choose your own ribbon colours from a wide range of shades, with or without charms. Whatever you choose, remember that the meaning you give your colours matters far more than any list – the right colours are the ones that make you both smile when you see them.